Original Argentinian Contract French M1898 Cavalry Saber With Scabbard by d’Armes de Châtellerault Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Much like Chile, Argentina had also turned its attention towards the German Empire to redesign its army in the last decades of the 19th century but unlike its neighbor, it kept elements of French and Spanish influence so some of their uniforms can be seen as somewhat anachronistic but much fortunately they made that choice because their uniforms and swords can be some of the most ”colorful” of the bunch. Just like keeping the uniform styles, they kept sidearms much like this Model 1898 Cavalry Troopers Saber.

The spine of the saber is marked Manufacture d’Armes de Châtellerault (“Châtellerault Weapons Factory”), often abbreviated to MAC. This was a French state-owned weapons manufacturer in the town of Châtellerault, Vienne. It was created by a royal decree of 14 July 1819 to manufacture swords, then (after 1850) firearms and cannons. Antoine Treuille de Beaulieu in 1840 began to develop the concept of rifled artillery at Châtellerault for the French Army. The Lebel Model 1886 rifle, the first military firearm to use smokeless powder ammunition and the primary French infantry weapon during World War I, was developed and produced here.

The sword is in really good condition and is presented without any extensive damage other than the usual staining/peppering on the blade. The blade measures approximately 35” in length and does have a few nicks in the edge. The ricasso has a small shield with a star marking in the center which we believe to be of Argentine origin but lack of information has made it difficult in identifying it. The sword comes complete with its original 36” in steel scabbard. The scabbard has no significant damage present but there are a few dents which we believe were made intentionally to better hold the saber.

A beautiful example ready for further research and display.

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 35″
Blade Style: Single Edged Slightly Curved Saber with Fuller
Overall length: 41 1/4“
Basket dimensions: 6″ width x 4 3/4” length
Scabbard length: 36”